Which Has More Carbs: A Tortilla or Two Slices of Bread?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite popular assumption that a thin tortilla is lower in carbs than sliced bread, the carb count is often surprisingly similar, and sometimes higher, depending on the type and size. Factors like tortilla size, flour type, and how many slices of bread you're comparing are crucial for an accurate comparison.

Quick Summary

This article provides a nutritional breakdown comparing the carbohydrate content of a tortilla versus two slices of bread, addressing how ingredient variations and portion sizes affect the overall carb count.

Key Points

Check Labels, Not Assumptions: A tortilla isn't always a lower-carb choice; read the nutrition label to compare against bread slices.
Two Slices Can be Lower: A large, burrito-sized flour tortilla often contains more carbohydrates than two slices of standard bread.
Corn vs. Flour Matters: Small corn tortillas are typically lower in calories and carbs than flour tortillas and offer more fiber.
Focus on Whole Grains: For a healthier option, choose whole-wheat bread or tortillas for higher fiber content and better nutrition.
Fillings are Key: The nutritional value of your meal is more influenced by what you fill your bread or tortilla with than the wrap itself.
Fiber Affects Net Carbs: For those counting net carbs, be aware that many low-carb tortillas achieve their count by including high amounts of fiber.

Comparing the Carbohydrate Content of Tortillas and Bread

The long-standing assumption that a wrap is a healthier, lower-carb alternative to a sandwich is a common dietary misconception. While a single slice of white bread and a small corn tortilla can have a very similar carb count, the comparison changes significantly when you consider the standard serving of two bread slices against a typical flour tortilla. The total carbohydrate and calorie count can swing dramatically depending on the specific product, size, and ingredients.

The Nutritional Facts at a Glance

To settle the debate, let's break down the typical nutritional profiles. It's important to remember that these are average values and can vary widely by brand and ingredients.


Nutrient	Two Slices of White Bread (approx. 62g)	One Medium Flour Tortilla (approx. 51g)	One Small Corn Tortilla (approx. 44g)
Carbohydrates	31g	25g	19.6g
Calories	165	146	95.9
Dietary Fiber	1.7g	1.2g	2.77g
Sodium	304mg	458mg	19.8mg

Key Factors That Influence Carbohydrate Count

Size Matters: A small 6-inch flour tortilla might have around 15g of carbs, similar to one slice of white bread. However, larger, thick tortillas used for burritos can contain over 50g of carbohydrates, significantly more than two slices of bread.
Ingredient Variations: The type of flour is a major determinant. Whole-grain bread and corn tortillas often have more fiber and slightly lower net carbs compared to their refined white flour counterparts. Many low-carb tortillas use high fiber content to keep their net carb count low.
Fiber Content: The type of carbs also matters. The fiber in whole-grain options slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Corn tortillas generally offer more fiber than white flour tortillas.
Hidden Calories and Carbs: Some specialty wraps, particularly those marketed as 'healthy' spinach or tomato-flavored, offer minimal nutritional benefit beyond standard flour and can even contain more calories and carbs due to added oils or sugars. It is essential to read the nutrition label carefully.

Which Is the Healthier Choice?

Choosing between a tortilla and bread isn't just about the carb count; it's a holistic assessment of overall nutritional value. For a lower-carb option, a small corn tortilla or a whole-wheat tortilla is often the better choice. When comparing a standard two-slice sandwich to a large flour tortilla, the bread may offer fewer total carbs and more fiber, depending on the specific products. The key takeaway is to always check the nutritional information, especially the total carbohydrates and fiber content, to make an informed decision for your specific dietary needs.

Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

Prioritize Whole Grains: For both bread and tortillas, choosing whole-grain options will provide more fiber and nutrients.
Consider Fillings: What you put inside your bread or tortilla is often more important than the wrap itself. Loading up on lean protein and vegetables will make either a healthier meal.
Mind Portion Sizes: Be aware that many restaurant wraps use very large, high-calorie flour tortillas that can have a much higher carb count than a typical two-slice sandwich.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single answer to the question of whether a tortilla or two slices of bread have more carbs. The carb count is heavily dependent on the type, size, and ingredients of each product. While two slices of standard white bread may contain more carbs than a single small corn or flour tortilla, a large flour tortilla can easily exceed the carbohydrate content of a typical sandwich. The best practice for anyone watching their carb intake is to read nutritional labels and choose whole-grain or high-fiber options, regardless of whether you're building a sandwich or a wrap.

For more detailed nutritional information, referencing the USDA's food composition databases is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A large flour tortilla can contain more calories and carbohydrates than two slices of standard bread. The healthiness of either option depends heavily on the specific ingredients, portion sizes, and fillings used.

A large flour tortilla often contains more carbs. For example, a 12-inch flour tortilla can have over 50 grams of carbohydrates, which is more than the approximately 31 grams found in two slices of white bread.

A single, small corn tortilla is typically lower in carbs than two slices of bread. A small corn tortilla has around 19.6 grams of carbohydrates, whereas two slices of bread have about 31 grams.

For a low-carb diet, read nutritional labels carefully. Opt for smaller, whole-grain tortillas, or use whole-grain bread for increased fiber. Pay attention to net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) to make the best choice.

Colored wraps, such as spinach or tomato, often gain their color from a small amount of vegetable powder and are primarily made from the same flour as other tortillas. They typically offer minimal, if any, difference in nutritional value and carbohydrate count.

A tortilla is a specific type of unleavened flatbread. The term 'wrap' is a more general description for any food enclosed in a soft bread or flatbread, which is often a large tortilla. Wraps can sometimes have added seasonings or leavening agents that are not found in traditional tortillas.

Beyond carbs, consider the fiber, sodium, and fat content. Whole-grain options offer more fiber. Sodium content can vary widely, with some tortillas being surprisingly high. Check the label for saturated and trans fats, especially in flour tortillas.